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ASU coach Bobby Hurley of watches late in the game against Syracuse during their First Four game in the 2018 NCAA Tournament on March 14, 2018 in Dayton, Ohio. Joe Robbins/Getty Images

Photos: Arizona State men's basketball 2017-18

ASU coach Bobby Hurley of watches late in the game against Syracuse during their First Four game in the 2018 NCAA Tournament on March 14, 2018 in Dayton, Ohio.
Joe Robbins/Getty Images

Mar 14, 2018: Syracuse Orange guard Tyus Battle (25) goes to the basket defend by Arizona State Sun Devils forward De'Quon Lake (35) in the second half during the First Four of the 2018 NCAA Tournament at Dayton Arena. Brian Spurlock/USA TODAY Sports

Photos: Arizona State men's basketball 2017-18

Mar 14, 2018: Syracuse Orange guard Tyus Battle (25) goes to the basket defend by Arizona State Sun Devils forward De'Quon Lake (35) in the second half during the First Four of the 2018 NCAA Tournament at Dayton Arena.
Brian Spurlock/USA TODAY Sports

Tyus Battle of Syracuse drives to the basket during their First Four game against ASU in the 2018 NCAA Tournament on March 14, 2018 in Dayton, Ohio. Joe Robbins/Getty Images

Photos: Arizona State men's basketball 2017-18

Tyus Battle of Syracuse drives to the basket during their First Four game against ASU in the 2018 NCAA Tournament on March 14, 2018 in Dayton, Ohio.
Joe Robbins/Getty Images

Mickey Mitchell and Romello White of Arizona State battle for the ball with Paschal Chukwu of Syracuse during their First Four game in the 2018 NCAA Tournament on March 14, 2018 in Dayton, Ohio. Joe RobbinS/Getty Images

Photos: Arizona State men's basketball 2017-18

Mickey Mitchell and Romello White of Arizona State battle for the ball with Paschal Chukwu of Syracuse during their First Four game in the 2018 NCAA Tournament on March 14, 2018 in Dayton, Ohio.
Joe RobbinS/Getty Images

Mar 14, 2018: Arizona State Sun Devils guard Shannon Evans II (11) reacts to losing game against the Syracuse Orange during the First Four of the 2018 NCAA Tournament at Dayton Arena. Rick Osentoski/USA TODAY Sports

Photos: Arizona State men's basketball 2017-18

Mar 14, 2018: Arizona State Sun Devils guard Shannon Evans II (11) reacts to losing game against the Syracuse Orange during the First Four of the 2018 NCAA Tournament at Dayton Arena.
Rick Osentoski/USA TODAY Sports

Mar 14, 2018: Arizona State Sun Devils forward Romello White (23) shoots over Syracuse Orange center Paschal Chukwu (13) in the second half during the First Four of the 2018 NCAA Tournament at Dayton Arena. Rick Osentoski/USA TODAY Sports

Photos: Arizona State men's basketball 2017-18

Mar 14, 2018: Arizona State Sun Devils forward Romello White (23) shoots over Syracuse Orange center Paschal Chukwu (13) in the second half during the First Four of the 2018 NCAA Tournament at Dayton Arena.
Rick Osentoski/USA TODAY Sports

Mar 14, 2018: Arizona State Sun Devils guard Kodi Justice (44) shoots a free throw in the second half against the Syracuse Orange during the First Four of the 2018 NCAA Tournament at Dayton Arena. Rick Osentoski/USA TODAY Sports

Photos: Arizona State men's basketball 2017-18

Mar 14, 2018: Arizona State Sun Devils guard Kodi Justice (44) shoots a free throw in the second half against the Syracuse Orange during the First Four of the 2018 NCAA Tournament at Dayton Arena.
Rick Osentoski/USA TODAY Sports

Mar 14, 2018: Syracuse Orange forward Oshae Brissett (11) attempts to stop a shot from Arizona State Sun Devils forward Mickey Mitchell (3) in the second half during the First Four of the 2018 NCAA Tournament at Dayton Arena. Rick Osentoski/USA TODAY Sports

Photos: Arizona State men's basketball 2017-18

Mar 14, 2018: Syracuse Orange forward Oshae Brissett (11) attempts to stop a shot from Arizona State Sun Devils forward Mickey Mitchell (3) in the second half during the First Four of the 2018 NCAA Tournament at Dayton Arena.
Rick Osentoski/USA TODAY Sports

Mar 14, 2018: Arizona State Sun Devils forward Romello White (23) dunks the ball in the second half against the Syracuse Orange during the First Four of the 2018 NCAA Tournament at Dayton Arena. Rick Osentoski/USA TODAY Sports

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Mar 14, 2018: Arizona State Sun Devils forward Romello White (23) dunks the ball in the second half against the Syracuse Orange during the First Four of the 2018 NCAA Tournament at Dayton Arena.
Rick Osentoski/USA TODAY Sports

Mar 14, 2018: Arizona State Sun Devils forward Mickey Mitchell (3) hangs from the basket in the first half against the Syracuse Orange during the First Four of the 2018 NCAA Tournament at Dayton Arena. Brian Spurlock/USA TODAY Sports

Photos: Arizona State men's basketball 2017-18

Mar 14, 2018: Arizona State Sun Devils forward Mickey Mitchell (3) hangs from the basket in the first half against the Syracuse Orange during the First Four of the 2018 NCAA Tournament at Dayton Arena.
Brian Spurlock/USA TODAY Sports

Mar 14, 2018: Arizona State Sun Devils guard Tra Holder (0) looks to pass around Syracuse Orange forward Marek Dolezaj (21) in the first half during the First Four of the 2018 NCAA Tournament at Dayton Arena. Brian Spurlock, Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Photos: Arizona State men's basketball 2017-18

Mar 14, 2018: Arizona State Sun Devils guard Tra Holder (0) looks to pass around Syracuse Orange forward Marek Dolezaj (21) in the first half during the First Four of the 2018 NCAA Tournament at Dayton Arena.
Brian Spurlock, Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Mar 14, 2018: Syracuse Orange guard Frank Howard (23) goes to the basket in the first half against the Arizona State Sun Devils during the First Four of the 2018 NCAA Tournament at Dayton Arena. Rick Osentoski/USA TODAY Sports

Photos: Arizona State men's basketball 2017-18

Mar 14, 2018: Syracuse Orange guard Frank Howard (23) goes to the basket in the first half against the Arizona State Sun Devils during the First Four of the 2018 NCAA Tournament at Dayton Arena.
Rick Osentoski/USA TODAY Sports

Mar 14, 2018: General view of the court at tip off in the first half in the game between the Syracuse Orange and the Arizona State Sun Devils during the First Four of the 2018 NCAA Tournament at Dayton Arena. Rick Osentoski/USA TODAY Sports

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Mar 14, 2018: General view of the court at tip off in the first half in the game between the Syracuse Orange and the Arizona State Sun Devils during the First Four of the 2018 NCAA Tournament at Dayton Arena.
Rick Osentoski/USA TODAY Sports

Mar 14, 2018: Arizona State Sun Devils forward Mickey Mitchell (3) forward Romello White (23) Syracuse Orange center Paschal Chukwu (13) battle for the ball under the net in the first half during the First Four of the 2018 NCAA Tournament at Dayton Arena. Brian Spurlock/USA TODAY Sports

Photos: Arizona State men's basketball 2017-18

Mar 14, 2018: Arizona State Sun Devils forward Mickey Mitchell (3) forward Romello White (23) Syracuse Orange center Paschal Chukwu (13) battle for the ball under the net in the first half during the First Four of the 2018 NCAA Tournament at Dayton Arena.
Brian Spurlock/USA TODAY Sports

Arizona State Sun Devils head coach Bobby Hurley poses for a photo with guard Kodi Justice (44) during Senior Day at the Wells Fargo Arena in Tempe, Az. on March 3, 2018. Cheryl Evans/The Republic

Photos: Arizona State men's basketball 2017-18

Arizona State Sun Devils head coach Bobby Hurley poses for a photo with guard Kodi Justice (44) during Senior Day at the Wells Fargo Arena in Tempe, Az. on March 3, 2018.
Cheryl Evans/The Republic

Arizona State Sun Devils head coach Bobby Hurley argues a call with the referee during a men's basketball game against Stanford Cardinal at the Wells Fargo Arena in Tempe, Az. on March 3, 2018. Cheryl Evans/The Republic

Photos: Arizona State men's basketball 2017-18

Arizona State Sun Devils head coach Bobby Hurley argues a call with the referee during a men's basketball game against Stanford Cardinal at the Wells Fargo Arena in Tempe, Az. on March 3, 2018.
Cheryl Evans/The Republic

Arizona State Sun Devils head coach Bobby Hurley argues a call with the referee during a men's basketball game against Stanford Cardinal at the Wells Fargo Arena in Tempe, Az. on March 3, 2018. Cheryl Evans/The Republic

Photos: Arizona State men's basketball 2017-18

Arizona State Sun Devils head coach Bobby Hurley argues a call with the referee during a men's basketball game against Stanford Cardinal at the Wells Fargo Arena in Tempe, Az. on March 3, 2018.
Cheryl Evans/The Republic

Arizona State Sun Devils head coach Bobby Hurley argues a call with the referee during a men's basketball game against Stanford Cardinal at the Wells Fargo Arena in Tempe, Az. on March 3, 2018. Cheryl Evans/The Republic

Photos: Arizona State men's basketball 2017-18

Arizona State Sun Devils head coach Bobby Hurley argues a call with the referee during a men's basketball game against Stanford Cardinal at the Wells Fargo Arena in Tempe, Az. on March 3, 2018.
Cheryl Evans/The Republic

Final game score of the Arizona State Sun Devils vs. Stanford Cardinal men's basketball game at the Wells Fargo Arena in Tempe, Az. on March 3, 2018. Cheryl Evans/The Republic

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Final game score of the Arizona State Sun Devils vs. Stanford Cardinal men's basketball game at the Wells Fargo Arena in Tempe, Az. on March 3, 2018.
Cheryl Evans/The Republic

Arizona State Sun Devils guard Remy Martin (1) goes up for a layup while being guarded by Stanford Cardinal forward Kezie Okpala (0) during a men's basketball game at the Wells Fargo Arena in Tempe, Az. on March 3, 2018. Cheryl Evans/The Republic

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Arizona State Sun Devils guard Remy Martin (1) goes up for a layup while being guarded by Stanford Cardinal forward Kezie Okpala (0) during a men's basketball game at the Wells Fargo Arena in Tempe, Az. on March 3, 2018.
Cheryl Evans/The Republic

Arizona State Sun Devils forward De'Quon Lake (35) slam dunks the ball while being guarded by Stanford Cardinal forward Michael Humphrey (10) during a men's basketball game at the Wells Fargo Arena in Tempe, Az. on March 3, 2018. Cheryl Evans/The Republic

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Arizona State Sun Devils forward De'Quon Lake (35) slam dunks the ball while being guarded by Stanford Cardinal forward Michael Humphrey (10) during a men's basketball game at the Wells Fargo Arena in Tempe, Az. on March 3, 2018.
Cheryl Evans/The Republic

Arizona State Sun Devils fans cheer during a men's basketball game against Stanford Cardinal at the Wells Fargo Arena in Tempe, Az. on March 3, 2018. Cheryl Evans/The Republic

Photos: Arizona State men's basketball 2017-18

Arizona State Sun Devils fans cheer during a men's basketball game against Stanford Cardinal at the Wells Fargo Arena in Tempe, Az. on March 3, 2018.
Cheryl Evans/The Republic

Arizona State Sun Devils guard Kodi Justice (44) reacts after shooting a 3-point shot during a men's basketball game against the Stanford Cardinal at the Wells Fargo Arena in Tempe, Az. on March 3, 2018. Cheryl Evans/The Republic

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Arizona State Sun Devils guard Kodi Justice (44) reacts after shooting a 3-point shot during a men's basketball game against the Stanford Cardinal at the Wells Fargo Arena in Tempe, Az. on March 3, 2018.
Cheryl Evans/The Republic

Arizona State Sun Devils guard Kodi Justice (44) reacts after shooting a 3-point shot during a men's basketball game against the Stanford Cardinal at the Wells Fargo Arena in Tempe, Az. on March 3, 2018. Cheryl Evans/The Republic

Photos: Arizona State men's basketball 2017-18

Arizona State Sun Devils guard Kodi Justice (44) reacts after shooting a 3-point shot during a men's basketball game against the Stanford Cardinal at the Wells Fargo Arena in Tempe, Az. on March 3, 2018.
Cheryl Evans/The Republic

Arizona State Sun Devils guard Kodi Justice (44) loses his shoe during a men's basketball game against Stanford Cardinal at the Wells Fargo Arena in Tempe, Az. on March 3, 2018. Cheryl Evans/The Republic

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Arizona State Sun Devils guard Kodi Justice (44) loses his shoe during a men's basketball game against Stanford Cardinal at the Wells Fargo Arena in Tempe, Az. on March 3, 2018.
Cheryl Evans/The Republic

Arizona State Sun Devils head coach Bobby Hurley reacts during a men's basketball game against the Stanford Cardinal at the Wells Fargo Arena in Tempe, Az. on March 3, 2018. Cheryl Evans/The Republic

Photos: Arizona State men's basketball 2017-18

Arizona State Sun Devils head coach Bobby Hurley reacts during a men's basketball game against the Stanford Cardinal at the Wells Fargo Arena in Tempe, Az. on March 3, 2018.
Cheryl Evans/The Republic

Arizona State Sun Devils walk off the court after losing to Stanford Cardinal 83-84 during a men's basketball game at the Wells Fargo Arena in Tempe, Az. on March 3, 2018. Cheryl Evans/The Republic

Photos: Arizona State men's basketball 2017-18

Arizona State Sun Devils walk off the court after losing to Stanford Cardinal 83-84 during a men's basketball game at the Wells Fargo Arena in Tempe, Az. on March 3, 2018.
Cheryl Evans/The Republic

Arizona State Sun Devils forward De'Quon Lake (35) slam dunks the ball while being guarded by Stanford Cardinal forward Michael Humphrey (10) during a men's basketball game at the Wells Fargo Arena in Tempe, Az. on March 3, 2018. Cheryl Evans/The Republic

Photos: Arizona State men's basketball 2017-18

Arizona State Sun Devils forward De'Quon Lake (35) slam dunks the ball while being guarded by Stanford Cardinal forward Michael Humphrey (10) during a men's basketball game at the Wells Fargo Arena in Tempe, Az. on March 3, 2018.
Cheryl Evans/The Republic

Arizona State Sun Devils head coach Bobby Hurley talks to his team during timeout in a men's basketball game against Stanford Cardinal at the Wells Fargo Arena in Tempe, Az. on March 3, 2018. Cheryl Evans/The Republic

Photos: Arizona State men's basketball 2017-18

Arizona State Sun Devils head coach Bobby Hurley talks to his team during timeout in a men's basketball game against Stanford Cardinal at the Wells Fargo Arena in Tempe, Az. on March 3, 2018.
Cheryl Evans/The Republic

Stanford Cardinal bench celebrates during a men's basketball game against Arizona State Sun Devils at the Wells Fargo Arena in Tempe, Az. on March 3, 2018. Cheryl Evans/The Republic

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Stanford Cardinal bench celebrates during a men's basketball game against Arizona State Sun Devils at the Wells Fargo Arena in Tempe, Az. on March 3, 2018.
Cheryl Evans/The Republic

Arizona State Sun Devils guard Remy Martin (1) celebrates a basket during a men's basketball game against Stanford Cardinal at the Wells Fargo Arena in Tempe, Az. on March 3, 2018. Cheryl Evans/The Republic

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Arizona State Sun Devils guard Remy Martin (1) celebrates a basket during a men's basketball game against Stanford Cardinal at the Wells Fargo Arena in Tempe, Az. on March 3, 2018.
Cheryl Evans/The Republic

Arizona State Sun Devils head coach Bobby Hurley reacts after a call during a men's basketball game against Stanford Cardinal at the Wells Fargo Arena in Tempe, Az. on March 3, 2018. Cheryl Evans/The Republic

Photos: Arizona State men's basketball 2017-18

Arizona State Sun Devils head coach Bobby Hurley reacts after a call during a men's basketball game against Stanford Cardinal at the Wells Fargo Arena in Tempe, Az. on March 3, 2018.
Cheryl Evans/The Republic

Arizona State head coach Bobby Hurley, center, disagrees with a call in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Oregon State in Corvallis, Ore., Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018. (AP Photo/Timothy J. Gonzalez) Timothy J. Gonzelez, AP

Photos: Arizona State men's basketball 2017-18

Arizona State head coach Bobby Hurley, center, disagrees with a call in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Oregon State in Corvallis, Ore., Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018. (AP Photo/Timothy J. Gonzalez)
Timothy J. Gonzelez, AP

Oregon head basketball coach Dana Altman encourages his team from the sidelines during the second half of their NCAA college basketball game against Arizona State Thursday Feb. 22, 2018, in Eugene, Ore. Chris Pietsch/AP

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Oregon head basketball coach Dana Altman encourages his team from the sidelines during the second half of their NCAA college basketball game against Arizona State Thursday Feb. 22, 2018, in Eugene, Ore.
Chris Pietsch/AP

Oregon's Elijah Brown, center right, celebrates with his teammates after defeating Arizona State 75-68 in an NCAA college basketball game Thursday Feb. 22, 2018, in Eugene, Ore. Chris Pietsch/AP

Photos: Arizona State men's basketball 2017-18

Oregon's Elijah Brown, center right, celebrates with his teammates after defeating Arizona State 75-68 in an NCAA college basketball game Thursday Feb. 22, 2018, in Eugene, Ore.
Chris Pietsch/AP

Feb 22, 2018: Arizona State Sun Devils forward Kimani Lawrence (14) grabs a rebound during the first half in a game against the Oregon Ducks at Matthew Knight Arena. Troy Wayrynen/USA TODAY Sports

Photos: Arizona State men's basketball 2017-18

Feb 22, 2018: Arizona State Sun Devils forward Kimani Lawrence (14) grabs a rebound during the first half in a game against the Oregon Ducks at Matthew Knight Arena.
Troy Wayrynen/USA TODAY Sports

Feb 22, 2018: Arizona State Sun Devils head coach Bobby Hurley reacts after a call during the first half against the Oregon Ducks at Matthew Knight Arena. Troy Wayrynen/USA TODAY Sports

Photos: Arizona State men's basketball 2017-18

Feb 22, 2018: Arizona State Sun Devils head coach Bobby Hurley reacts after a call during the first half against the Oregon Ducks at Matthew Knight Arena.
Troy Wayrynen/USA TODAY Sports

Feb 22, 2018: Arizona State Sun Devils guard Remy Martin (1) calls out a play during the second half against the Oregon Ducks at Matthew Knight Arena. Oregon won 75-68. Troy Wayrynen/USA TODAY Sports

Photos: Arizona State men's basketball 2017-18

Feb 22, 2018: Arizona State Sun Devils guard Remy Martin (1) calls out a play during the second half against the Oregon Ducks at Matthew Knight Arena. Oregon won 75-68.
Troy Wayrynen/USA TODAY Sports

Oregon's Elijah Brown, left, reaches for the ball held by Arizona State's Shannon Evans II during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Thursday, Feb. 22, 2018, in Eugene, Ore. Chris Pietsch/AP

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Oregon's Elijah Brown, left, reaches for the ball held by Arizona State's Shannon Evans II during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Thursday, Feb. 22, 2018, in Eugene, Ore.
Chris Pietsch/AP

Oregon's Payton Pritchard, left, passes as he falls under pressure from Arizona State's Shannon Evans II during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Thursday, Feb. 22, 2018, in Eugene, Ore. Chris Pietsch/AP

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Oregon's Payton Pritchard, left, passes as he falls under pressure from Arizona State's Shannon Evans II during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Thursday, Feb. 22, 2018, in Eugene, Ore.
Chris Pietsch/AP

Arizona State's Romello White, left, has his shot blocked by Oregon's Kenny Wooten, with Oregon's Paul White, foreground right, watching during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Thursday, Feb. 22, 2018, in Eugene, Ore. Chris Pietsch/AP

Photos: Arizona State men's basketball 2017-18

Arizona State's Romello White, left, has his shot blocked by Oregon's Kenny Wooten, with Oregon's Paul White, foreground right, watching during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Thursday, Feb. 22, 2018, in Eugene, Ore.
Chris Pietsch/AP

Arizona State Sun Devils guard Shannon Evans II (11) reacts to his team losing late during the second half against Arizona at Wells Fargo Arena on February 15, 2018 in Tempe, Ariz. Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona State men's basketball 2017-18

Arizona State Sun Devils guard Shannon Evans II (11) reacts to his team losing late during the second half against Arizona at Wells Fargo Arena on February 15, 2018 in Tempe, Ariz.
Patrick Breen/The Republic

Arizona State Sun Devils guard Tra Holder (0) celebrates after scoring against Arizona during the second half at Wells Fargo Arena on February 15, 2018 in Tempe, Ariz. Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona State men's basketball 2017-18

Arizona State Sun Devils guard Tra Holder (0) celebrates after scoring against Arizona during the second half at Wells Fargo Arena on February 15, 2018 in Tempe, Ariz.
Patrick Breen/The Republic

Arizona State's head coach Bobby Hurley argues with officials after a call during the second half against Arizona at Wells Fargo Arena on February 15, 2018 in Tempe, Ariz. Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona State men's basketball 2017-18

Arizona State's head coach Bobby Hurley argues with officials after a call during the second half against Arizona at Wells Fargo Arena on February 15, 2018 in Tempe, Ariz.
Patrick Breen/The Republic

Arizona State Sun Devils guard Shannon Evans II (11) argues with an official during the second half against Arizona at Wells Fargo Arena on February 15, 2018 in Tempe, Ariz. Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona State men's basketball 2017-18

Arizona State Sun Devils guard Shannon Evans II (11) argues with an official during the second half against Arizona at Wells Fargo Arena on February 15, 2018 in Tempe, Ariz.
Patrick Breen/The Republic

Arizona State Sun Devils guard Kodi Justice (44) points to his head after hitting a three pointer during the second half at Wells Fargo Arena on February 15, 2018 in Tempe, Ariz. Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona State men's basketball 2017-18

Arizona State Sun Devils guard Kodi Justice (44) points to his head after hitting a three pointer during the second half at Wells Fargo Arena on February 15, 2018 in Tempe, Ariz.
Patrick Breen/The Republic

Arizona State Sun Devils guard Shannon Evans II (11) reacts to the team being down during the second half against Arizona at Wells Fargo Arena on February 15, 2018 in Tempe, Ariz. Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona State men's basketball 2017-18

Arizona State Sun Devils guard Shannon Evans II (11) reacts to the team being down during the second half against Arizona at Wells Fargo Arena on February 15, 2018 in Tempe, Ariz.
Patrick Breen/The Republic

Arizona State fans cheer on their team during the second half against Arizona at Wells Fargo Arena on February 15, 2018 in Tempe, Ariz. Patrick Breen/The Republic

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Arizona State fans cheer on their team during the second half against Arizona at Wells Fargo Arena on February 15, 2018 in Tempe, Ariz.
Patrick Breen/The Republic

Arizona State's head coach Bobby Hurley calls out to his team during the second half against Arizona at Wells Fargo Arena on February 15, 2018 in Tempe, Ariz. Patrick Breen/The Republic

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Arizona State's head coach Bobby Hurley calls out to his team during the second half against Arizona at Wells Fargo Arena on February 15, 2018 in Tempe, Ariz.
Patrick Breen/The Republic

Arizona State Sun Devils guard Shannon Evans II (11) celebrates with the fans during the second half against Arizona at Wells Fargo Arena on February 15, 2018 in Tempe, Ariz. Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona State men's basketball 2017-18

Arizona State Sun Devils guard Shannon Evans II (11) celebrates with the fans during the second half against Arizona at Wells Fargo Arena on February 15, 2018 in Tempe, Ariz.
Patrick Breen/The Republic

Arizona State Sun Devils guard Shannon Evans II (11) enters the court through the fans before a game against Arizona at Wells Fargo Arena on February 15, 2018 in Tempe, Ariz. Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona State men's basketball 2017-18

Arizona State Sun Devils guard Shannon Evans II (11) enters the court through the fans before a game against Arizona at Wells Fargo Arena on February 15, 2018 in Tempe, Ariz.
Patrick Breen/The Republic

Arizona State Sun Devils guard Kodi Justice (44) goes up for a layup while being guarded by Arizona Wildcats guard Rawle Alkins (1) during a men's basketball game at Wells Fargo Arena in Tempe on February 15, 2018. #asu basketball Cheryl Evans/The Republic

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Arizona State Sun Devils guard Kodi Justice (44) goes up for a layup while being guarded by Arizona Wildcats guard Rawle Alkins (1) during a men's basketball game at Wells Fargo Arena in Tempe on February 15, 2018. #asu basketball
Cheryl Evans/The Republic

Arizona State Sun Devils head coach Bobby Hurley argues a call with the referee during a men's basketball game at Wells Fargo Arena in Tempe on February 15, 2018. #asu basketball Cheryl Evans/The Republic

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Arizona State Sun Devils head coach Bobby Hurley argues a call with the referee during a men's basketball game at Wells Fargo Arena in Tempe on February 15, 2018. #asu basketball
Cheryl Evans/The Republic

Arizona State Sun Devils guard Kodi Justice (44) looks up at the scoreboard near the end of the second half against Arizona at Wells Fargo Arena on February 15, 2018 in Tempe, Ariz. Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona State men's basketball 2017-18

Arizona State Sun Devils guard Kodi Justice (44) looks up at the scoreboard near the end of the second half against Arizona at Wells Fargo Arena on February 15, 2018 in Tempe, Ariz.
Patrick Breen/The Republic

ASU's Tra Holder and Shannon Evans II celebrate late in the game against UCLA at Wells Fargo Arena on Feb. 10, 2018 in Tempe, Ariz. Patrick Breen/azcentral sports

Photos: Arizona State men's basketball 2017-18

ASU's Tra Holder and Shannon Evans II celebrate late in the game against UCLA at Wells Fargo Arena on Feb. 10, 2018 in Tempe, Ariz.
Patrick Breen/azcentral sports

Arizona State Sun Devils guard Tra Holder is among the Top 30 players in the country. Allan Henry-USA TODAY Sports

Photos: Arizona State men's basketball 2017-18

Arizona State Sun Devils guard Tra Holder is among the Top 30 players in the country.
Allan Henry-USA TODAY Sports

ASU's Tra Holder (0) reacts after hitting a 3 against UCLA during the second half at Wells Fargo Arena on February 10, 2018 in Tempe, Ariz. Patrick Breen/azcentral sports

Photos: Arizona State men's basketball 2017-18

ASU's Tra Holder (0) reacts after hitting a 3 against UCLA during the second half at Wells Fargo Arena on February 10, 2018 in Tempe, Ariz.
Patrick Breen/azcentral sports

ASU's Shannon Evans II (11) pumps up the crowd during second half against UCLA at Wells Fargo Arena on February 10, 2018 in Tempe, Ariz. Patrick Breen/azcentral sports

Photos: Arizona State men's basketball 2017-18

ASU's Shannon Evans II (11) pumps up the crowd during second half against UCLA at Wells Fargo Arena on February 10, 2018 in Tempe, Ariz.
Patrick Breen/azcentral sports

The former Arizona (under brother Sean) and Arizona State (under Herb Sendek) assistant was one of the biggest hires of the off-season, leaving Dayton to replace the fired Tom Crean in Bloomington.

Miller opened with a 21-point home loss to Indiana State, a school so off the radar in Hoosier Country that it’s not even considered a rival. After the game, Miller questioned the Hoosiers' mental toughness, calling them “soft.” They later lost to then-No. 22 Seton Hall.

“The hard part about that job is the great players they lost,” said CBS analyst Bill Raftery, referring to Thomas Bryant, OG Anunoby and James Blackmon, Jr., a trio that produced 40.7 points last season. “I really like a lot of these young kids, but the kids that are back, to me, haven’t played as well.”

Raftery worked Indiana’s Seton Hall loss. The Hoosiers trailed by just one at halftime but were outscored by 15 in the second half. It won’t get easier. Indiana (2-2) faces No. 1 Duke, No. 19 Louisville and No.16 Notre Dame over the next month.

Even so, Raftery is convinced Miller will work it out. At some point.

“The first year is the hardest, I don’t care where you go,’’ the analyst said. “It’s the old story -- you got to get good players and you got to coach them. He’ll do both. He’s been around success his whole life. He learned a lot playing for his Dad, being an assistant at big-time programs and doing it on his own.

“He’s a confident guy, as you know. Not that he exudes success, but he exudes the feeling that we can get this done.”

Five questions

Keeping it light with ASU coach Bobby Hurley:

Is it true that during your time at Duke you once were carried out in a basketball bag to avoid fans and media?

"It was a different time. There was one game a week on ESPN or CBS, and it was usually us. We were like rock stars for college basketball. We were the face of college basketball. We were at Notre Dame and I had rolled my ankle in the game and we needed to make a flight. I was getting treatment after the game and it took too long. There was no time and there were like 150 people outside trying to get to us, so they put me in the zip bag and carried me out of there. It was a tight, tight fit."

It's well documented that Christian Laettner gave you a hard time your freshman season. How's your relationship with him today?

"I think it’s good. When we’re able to connect, we do. I saw him at the Final Four and our families got a chance to catch up. I think it’s maybe overblown because of all the different documentaries that have been made."

Besides family, what’s one thing that takes your mind off basketball?

"This might be a little soft, but I like the cooking shows, so I’ll get into some of these series, like Gordon Ramsay, the Hell’s Kitchen. He yells at everyone and it makes me feel like I don’t yell as much. And when I cook I can take my mind off basketball, so I get involved in that occasionally during the season. I’m good on the grill, whether it’s fish or steak, ribs. Players come over. I have a smoker so I’ll start the ribs early in the day and then head out. By the time the team gets there, they’re usually done by then."

When Coach K retires, who gets the Duke job?

"That’s a hard question. I think a lot of it comes down to timing with guys, where they are in their career, what they’re looking for. But No. 1, I haven’t heard anything about him really slowing down. No. 2, no one in our Duke family that I speak to really talks about that."

What’s the craziest technical foul you have received?

“I guess the NBA, when I was playing in my third year. I was coming in at the end of the game. It was a lopsided score and I never liked playing in the garbage minutes when the game had been decided. I got fouled a couple times – at least in my opinion, I did – and the refs weren’t going to call anything because they wanted to leave. I kept going at one ref and he says, ‘You open your mouth one more time and you’re gone.’ So I just opened my mouth. I didn’t say anything. I just opened my mouth and he ejected me. That was my first time getting thrown out of the game without saying anything."

Transition 3

1. Arizona should get tested this week in the Battle 4 Atlantis tournament in the Bahamas. The No. 2 Wildcats open Wednesday against North Carolina State. No. 5 Villanova and No. 18 Purdue also are in the field. Something to note: This event traditionally isn't kind to Top 10 teams. Eight have participated in the tournament since 2011. Only two have won it.

2. Grand Canyon has yet to play a team ranked better than 296 in the KenPom efficiency rankings, but defensively the Antelopes have been solid. Entering Wednesday, they had held opponents to an effective field-goal percentage of 38.7 percent, which ranked seventh nationally. (Effective field-goal percentage accounts for the extra value of a made 3-point shot. "Defensively, we've been really good,'' coach Dan Majerle said. "Offensively, we've been a little slow. Way too many turnovers. Not shooting the ball as well as I thought. We're still trying to learn -- I'm trying to learn -- our guys. Who to get in -- we're playing a lot more guys than I'm used to. But defensively, we've been really good. We're doing OK, but we got to get better."

3. Northern Arizona has opened with four consecutive losses. The schedule hasn’t helped. According to computer specialist Jeff Sagarin, the Lumberjacks have played the nation’s fourth-toughest schedule with road games against Arizona, ASU and Kansas State. Coach Jack Murphy, however, isn't discouraged. “I say it all the time: Our No. 1 goal is the Big Sky Conference, and we’re still 0-0 in conference play,’’ he said. “We have to continue to get better and prepare for that.”

And 1

Former ASU coach Herb Sendek, in his second season at Santa Clara, recently hosted one of his former assistants. It didn’t go well. Eric Musselman, who worked on Sendek’s staff for two seasons, has Nevada looking for a second consecutive NCAA Tournament bid. On Nov. 15, the Wolf Pack thumped Sendek’s team 93-63. “We played poorly, but they’re really good,” Sendek said. “I think they have a chance to win the (Mountain West) again, and then, you wouldn’t to get them in the first round of the tournament, I’m telling you.”

Feb 22, 2018; Corvallis, OR, USA; Arizona Wildcats guard Allonzo Trier (35) sits on the bench as his team warms up before playing Oregon State Beavers at Gill Coliseum. The NCAA has declared Trier ineligible for a trace amount of a banned substance. Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports

Arizona Wildcats head coach Sean Miller yells at his team during a men's basketball game against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Wells Fargo Arena in Tempe on February 15, 2018. #asu basketball Cheryl Evans/The Republic

Arizona Wildcats head coach Sean Miller talks to his team during a timeout in a men's basketball game against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Wells Fargo Arena in Tempe on February 15, 2018. #asu basketball Cheryl Evans/The Republic

Arizona Wildcats head coach Sean Miller talks to his team during a timeout in a men's basketball game against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Wells Fargo Arena in Tempe on February 15, 2018. #asu basketball Cheryl Evans/The Republic

Washington's Dominic Green reacts after sinking a 3-point basket during the second half against Arizona in an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Feb. 3, 2018, in Seattle. Washington won 78-75 with Green later hitting the tie-breaking shot in the final seconds. (AP Photo/John Froschauer) John Froschauer, AP

Washington's Noah Dickerson shoots against Arizona's Deandre Ayton during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Feb. 3, 2018 in Seattle. (AP Photo/John Froschauer) John Froschauer, AP

Arizona's Keanu Pinder and Washington's Dominic Green, right, reach for a rebound during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Feb. 3, 2018, in Seattle. (AP Photo/John Froschauer) John Froschauer, AP

FILE - In this Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2018, file photo, Arizona associate head coach Lorenzo Romar reacts during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Washington State in Pullman, Wash. Romar is uncertain about what will happen Saturday. He spent 15 seasons as the head coach at Washington, but now will walk into Huskies home gym as the opponent. Romar is now an assistant for No. 9 Arizona, which faces Washington on Saturday. (AP Photo/Young Kwak, File) Young Kwak, AP

Arizona associate head coach Lorenzo Romar, facing camera, hugs Will Conroy, Washington assistant coach, before an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Feb. 3, 2018 in Seattle. Romar was Washington's coach and is returning for the first time. Conroy played for Romar at Washington. (AP Photo/John Froschauer) John Froschauer, AP

Arizona associate head coach Lorenzo Romar stands on the court before the team's NCAA college basketball game against his former team, Washington, Saturday, Feb. 3, 2018, in Seattle. (AP Photo/John Froschauer) John Froschauer, AP

Arizona forward Deandre Ayton dunks during the first half of the team's NCAA college basketball game against Washington State in Pullman, Wash., Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2018. (AP Photo/Young Kwak) Young Kwak, AP

Arizona guard Allonzo Trier (35) shoots against Washington State forward Robert Franks (3) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Pullman, Wash., Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2018. (AP Photo/Young Kwak) Young Kwak, AP

Arizona coach Sean Miller, left, speaks with guard Parker Jackson-Cartwright during the first half of the team's NCAA college basketball game against Washington State in Pullman, Wash., Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2018. (AP Photo/Young Kwak) Young Kwak, AP

Washington State forward Drick Bernstine (43) is fouled on the way to the basket by Arizona center Dusan Ristic (14) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Pullman, Wash., Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2018. (AP Photo/Young Kwak) Young Kwak, AP

Jan 27, 2018; Tucson, AZ, USA; Arizona Wildcats center Dusan Ristic (14) signals to the bench after he is called for a foul during the second half against the Utah Utes at McKale Center. Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports

Utah head coach Larry Krystkowiak, right, talks with official Dick Cartmell in the first half during an NCAA college basketball game against Arizona, Saturday, Jan. 27, 2018, in Tucson, Ariz. Rick Scuteri, AP